In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Feb. 29, 2012, Scout: Cherokee County voters were going to decide whether to keep three commission districts or increase to five, thereby adding two new members to the board.
- A fire in the Nantahala National Forest was expected to burn 750 acres due to steep, rugged terrain.
March 1, 2012, Journal: The Andrews Police Department was getting new vehicles for better gas mileage and conformity, according to Police Chief Josh Litchfield.
- Andrews Aldermen Jim Bristol turned in a letter of resignation from the board, then changed his mind within an hour after handing it in.
25 years ago – Feb. 26, 1997, Scout: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort was expected to have a big impact on Cherokee County, despite being more than an hour away. Update: Wait until they saw Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy, which opened in 2015.
- The uninsured home of James Cornwell and family in Unaka was a complete loss after a fire started in the chimney and worked its way into the attic.
- Murphy senior point guard Tabitha Kephart scored her 1,000th career point for the Lady Bulldogs. Update: Tabitha is the daughter of Neal and Charlene Kephart, a longtime associate at the Scout.
Feb. 27, 1997, Journal: A total of 34 lots in Mud Town near Andrews were scheduled for renovations thanks to a Community Development Block Grant.
- After a resident complained about dogs attacking his animals, the crowd at a county commission meeting urged him to “shoot ’em.” Update: No one at the meeting disagreed.
50 years ago – March 4, 1972, Scout: The new Cherokee County manager was Bobby Thompson
of Bealtown, who was
paid an annual salary of $12,000.
- Miss Hattie Palmer was honored for her work with the Cherokee Scout, which included having her name placed on the control panel of the press on Church Street in downtown Murphy. Update: While the press hasn’t operated in more than three years, it still proudly proclaims the name “Miss Hattie.”
- Dr. Walter Mauney, one of only four practicing physicians in Murphy, suffered a broken arm during an automobile accident.
Feb. 23, 1972, Journal: Murphy Cable Television Co. planned to meet with the Andrews Town Council to consider opening a franchise in the Valley.
- A&P was selling four loaves of bread for only a buck, while dog food was just 10 cents a can.
– Publisher David Brown